Heartland by John Mackay sampler
A man tries to forge a new future for himself by reconnecting with his past. Iain Martin hopes that by returning to his Hebridean heartland and embarking on a quest to reconstruct an ancient family home, he might find a new purpose. But as he begins work on the old blackhouse, he uncovers a secret from the past which forces him to question everything.
A man tries to forge a new future for himself by reconnecting with his past. Iain Martin hopes that by returning to his Hebridean heartland and embarking on a quest to reconstruct an ancient family home, he might find a new purpose. But as he begins work on the old blackhouse, he uncovers a secret from the past which forces him to question everything.
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Acknowledgements<br />
My thanks to Donnie MacIntosh, all but a brother. Sandra Riddel and Joey<br />
Darroch, ever-willing first draft readers. Also Chrissie Macintosh, Katie Mary<br />
Macdonald and Ina Smith. And Martin Smith the angler.<br />
Mairi MacRitchie at the Gearranan Black House village and the folk at An<br />
Comunn Eachdraidh Charlabhaigh for keeping the story alive.<br />
My colleagues in the Glasgow and Edinburgh newsrooms of stv. Also Brian<br />
Wotherspoon, whose heart must fall when I appear!<br />
The many people who wrote with so much encouragement following the<br />
publication of The Road Dance. Gavin MacDougall, Nele Anersch, Jennie<br />
Renton and all at Luath.<br />
Above all, Joyce for her love and support and Scott and Ross for all the<br />
joy. Call na h-Iolaire <strong>by</strong> Tormod Calum Domhnallach (Acair, 1978) and<br />
Metagama <strong>by</strong> Jim Wilkie (Birlinn, 2001) will tell you all you need to know<br />
about the stories surrounding both vessels.<br />
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